(Rated this album with 10 out of 10) Reviewed by
george noriega jr.
from West Hempstead, NY United States
This has to be one of the greatest live recordings (if not recordings period) of all time. There have been other reviewers that say they like the album versions of the songs better; so do I, but the raw power & emotion of Iron Maiden cannot be ignored. From the thunderous opening of Churchill's speech & Aces High, to classics like "The Trooper", "Number of the Beast" & "Run to the Hills", this album is a monster all the way through. The production work on the album by Martin Birch is second to none, and he brings out a very deep sound from the band, something that was sorely missing from "Real Live/Dead One" & "Live at Donington", discs that were produced almost a decade later. Adrian Smith & Dave Murray are at their harmonious best, Steve Harris' bass playing is nice & tight, Nicko McBrain actually has it together, and Bruce Bruce, although a little off key at times (Flight of Icarus, Run to the Hills)puts his heart into the mateiral. Bettering the original cd release, the band also includes live material from Hammersmith 1984 that was on the original LP. This material sounds better due to the fact that Bruce's voice was not as strained on these tracks (the Long Beach material was recorded in the summer of 1985). My only complaint? Instead of the enhanced section, they should have included 2 of the (now) harder to find live tracks from this tour: "Los'fer Words" and "Murders in the Rue Morgue"; nonetheless, this is the perfect album for all Maiden fans, and a great "jupming on" point for new (and future) Maiden fans. The songs are still fresh, the recording does not sound dated, and a good time will be had by all...
